FPL demolishes Cutler Power Plant - slideshow (Video)

Florida Power & Light Co. on Saturday used controlled charges to bring down two, blue 150-foot-tall smokestacks and two power-generating boilers at its historic Cutler Power Plant in Palmetto Bay.

The Cutler plant, which has been inactive for more than four years, is no longer necessary due to a multi-billion dollar investment that FPL has made in its Turkey Point Power Plant, according to a news release.

“The demolition of the Cutler Power Plant is further affirmation of FPL’s commitment to our customers to reduce our dependence on foreign oil while delivering affordable, reliable energy, generated by low-cost natural gas produced right here in the U.S.,” said FPL President Eric Silagy. “Key to our commitment is the development of state-of-the-art, safe, clean, efficient generating facilities that will continue to keep our customers’ electric bills among the lowest in the State of Florida.”

Plant History

Located on 85 acres overlooking Biscayne Bay, the Cutler Power Plant began providing service to FPL customers in 1949 during President Harry S. Truman’s term. At one time, the plant was the largest power generator in the company’s fleet, providing enough power for 350,000 homes.

The plant officially closed on Nov. 30. Dismantling of the plant began the following month. FPL is evaluating its long-term plans for the site, but does not plan on building another power plant. A substation located on the property is continuing to operate to ensure customers receive reliable power.

The Cutler Power Plant was one of the first outdoor power plants built in Florida and hailed for its architecture. In addition, the plant appeared in the 1961 film “Chivato” that focused on a band of American crusaders who join counter-revolutionaries in Cuba to help overthrow Fidel Castro.

“For more than six decades, the Cutler facility proudly served its purpose, meeting the energy needs of millions of people throughout South Florida and FPL’s broader electric system,” said NextEra Energy Executive Vice President of Power Generation Tony Rodriguez. “Today, we continue FPL’s proud tradition of powering South Florida’s growth with state-of-the-art clean energy facilities that are the envy of the nation.”

In addition to the new Port Everglades plant, the company recently commissioned the Cape Canaveral Clean Energy Center and is modernizing its Riviera Beach plant, which is scheduled to begin operating next year. All three plants are running or will run on natural gas.